Former Sunderland goal legend Marco Gabbiadini believes Sunderland have the upper hand when it comes to form heading into Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby.

The ex-Black Cats striker, who famously scored in the 2-0 St James’ Park play-off win over the Magpies in 1990, is backing the Wearsiders to get the job done in this weekend’s crucial clash.

The three points will be hugely valuable to both sides, with each club battling to move away from danger at the bottom of the Premier League, with only nine games remaining this season.

And it’s only the fact that history could possibly be against Sunderland – with the Black Cats winning an unprecedented six in row going into the fixture – which is worrying Gabbiadini.

“This is going to be a big one,” he said. “They always are big ones, but I think what’s riding on it this season, with the Premier League millions that are on offer for next season, are going to make it even more intriguing.

“Both teams are not in a great place. Sunderland probably have the better form and for that reason I think I will have to side with my favourites at the moment.

“But I do think the worrying part is that the prospect of a seventh win on the trot is pretty extreme, but I hope they can do it.”